The polls had not yet closed when the newly elected governor of Virginia, Abigail Spanberger, was already thanking everyone who supported her by voting for her. Her election victory means not only that the Republicans are losing the governorship there, but also that Spanberger becomes the first female governor in Virginia's history.
A test of the mood after the presidential election
In New Jersey, another Democrat was elected governor - Mickey Sherrell. In addition, the victory of Zohran Mamdani in New York caused a political earthquake. He is only 34 years old and is not only the first Muslim mayor, but also belongs to the left-wing political spectrum of the Democratic Party.
The electoral victories in Virginia and New Jersey in particular are considered a test of the mood in the country towards President Donald Trump and the Republicans. And the result of this test is very bad for them: according to a survey in New Jersey, cited by ARD, 70 percent of Democratic voters voted for Sherrell because they are dissatisfied with Trump's policies.
Inflation and high rents - topics in the election campaign
Many people are worried about the economy - and with it, about their own well-being. Inflation remains high, rents and housing prices are unaffordable for many - all of which are central themes in the election programs of the successful candidates. The winner in Virginia, Spanberger, wants to reduce housing costs in particular. Her victory, as well as those of Sherrell and Mamdani, give Democrats a boost in the US midterm elections next year.
Trump is particularly active in the election campaign in New York - and not for the hopeless Republican candidate, but for the former Democrat, now an independent candidate for mayor Andrew Cuomo. He has also threatened to cut federal funds to New York if Mamdani is elected. Now Trump's worst nightmare is coming true.
Author: Anne Schneider (ARD)